Fraud convictions would permanently bar health providers from Medicare and Medicaid
In committeeH.R. 8865Latest action
Sponsor: Pete Stauber · Representative · MN
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Official title: Protecting Taxpayers from Fraudulent Providers Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8865 would make permanent the Medicare and Medicaid ban for providers convicted of fraud, ending all reinstatement options.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8865 would permanently ban health care providers convicted of fraud, theft, embezzlement, or similar financial crimes from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health programs for convictions occurring after the law takes effect. Current law allows a set exclusion period after which providers may seek reinstatement. This bill eliminates that reinstatement option entirely for the covered categories of convictions.
Who does it affect?
Health care providers — including doctors, nurses, clinics, and medical equipment suppliers — convicted of qualifying fraud-related crimes are directly affected. Patients who rely on Medicare or Medicaid are also affected, as their providers would be permanently removed from those programs upon conviction.
Why does it matter?
Permanently excluding convicted providers removes an existing pathway for return to federally funded health programs, regardless of time served or other circumstances. Federal health care fraud costs the government billions of dollars each year, and the bill is stated to target protection of taxpayers.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 15, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.